Trim dementia unit upgrade gets go-ahead
The HSE has confirmed that the replacement of the Alzheimers Unit in St Joseph's CNU will commence early next year with the works expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Funding has been secured for the major upgrade of the Butterstream Unit, the HSE's only dedicated Alzheimer's unit in the county. This is the seventh phase of the major refurbishment of St Joseph's CNU which has been ongoing for the past number of years and will bring the unit up to Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards.
The HSE has confirmed that the design team is in place and tendering is expected to be completed by the end of the year with works commencing in the first quarter of 2018 and to be completed by the end of next year. Planning permission is already in place and the next stage will be the tendering of the project
Earlier this year, the Meath Chronicle highlighted grave concerns over the future of the Butterstream Unit over its failure to meet HIQA standards. It is the only public dementia unit in the county and consists of 12 long-term beds and two respite beds.
The Meath Chronicle highlighted the urgent need for funding to bring the unit to HIQA standard earlier this year.
John Tobin, Chairperson of the Friends of St Joseph's has welcomed the go-ahead for the project describing it as 'wonderful news'.
'I am delighted to see a final resolution and a plan in place for a much needed essential unit at St Joseph's in Trim. This has to be a great relief to the residents of the Butterstream Unit and their families and local management who will be able to give complete and 100 per cent treatment and comfort to the individuals. I know it has been a source of ongoing concern for local managment.'
The new unit is to be completed to the same standard as the refurbishment that has already been carried out during the first six stages and will bring the Alzheimers unit in line with current HIQA standards.
'This unit is a major help not only to St Joseph's and the Trim region but the overall catchment area of the north east where it is the only dedicated Alzheimers Unit,' added Mr Tobin.